APRIL 30, 2018

EOC News

Appointments and Changes of Status

Appointments
Bishop Tracy S. Malone, in the past two weeks, has announced the following East Ohio Conference clergy appointments:

  • Paige Boyer, Westlake UMC, Assoc. Pastor | NC
  • Dawan Buie, Centenary, Lockwood, Mahoning, Richard Brown & Trinity UMCs | MV
  • Greg Calko, Centenary, Lockwood, Mahoning, Richard Brown & Trinity UMCs | MV
  • Mark Cannon, Mt. Zion UMC | MO
  • Jeff Conley, Dundee UMC | TW
  • Jean Cooper, Barnesville Main St. & Pleasant Ridge UMCs | SH
  • Richard Cox, Morristown UMC | SH
  • Insook Do, Palmyra UMC | MV
  • Hester Hudson, Jewett & New Rumley UMCs, Assoc. Pastor | OV
  • Neal Keller, Aurora UMC | WR
  • Ken Kesler, Sawyerwood UMC | CN
  • Dennis Laferty, Thompson UMC | WR
  • James Lance, Martel & Sixteen UMCs | MO
  • Aaron Linard, Midvale & Newport UMCs | TW
  • Renae Meggitt, Kinsman UMC | WR
  • Donna Mills, Chapel Hill UMC | MO
  • Dave Naus, East Rochester & Bayard UMCs | TW
  • Frank Rogers, New Somerset & Empire UMCs | OV
  • Kathy Thomas, Pine Grove UMC | OV
  • Mark Thomas, Harsh Memorial & Kilgore UMCs | OV
  • Lyle Warren, Nashville UMC | TR
  • Jenny Whitmore, Ashland Christ & Ashland First UMCs | MO
  • Hyeran Yu, Crystal Park UMC | TW

Retirement

  • Mary Blank, retiring from Willoughby Hills UMC | WR

Concluding Ministry

  • Gene Miller, concluding from from Morristown UMC | SH
Districts Key: (CN) Canal, (FL) Firelands, (MO) Mid-Ohio, (MV) Mahoning Valley,  (NC) North Coast,  (OV) Ohio Valley, (SH) Southern Hills, (TR) Three Rivers,  (TW) Tuscarawas,  (WR) Western Reserve

View the entire list of appointments and changes of status.

Praying Our Way Forward Logo

Way Forward Conversations

A Way Forward Conversations Well Attended
“The unity of the Church is all of our work to do. The unity of the Church is all of our conversations to have,” Bishop Malone said in her message to the more than 700 people who participated in the Conversations on a Way Forward hosted at 10 different locations across the East Ohio Conference between November 2017 and March 2018.

The facilitated conversations were designed to focus on our identity, purpose and mission as a church.  They centered on the four questions crafted by the Council of Bishops to help prepare the Church to act on the report from the Council of Bishops based on the recommendations of the Commission on a Way Forward.

“The East Ohio Conversations on a Way Forward were designed to provide focused time in small groups to listen to our sisters and brothers in East Ohio, and model ways in which similar conversations can happen in many different settings,” said EOC Director of Connectional Ministries the Rev. Steve Court.  “The conversations were not intended to be an educational event on homosexuality, to present a recommendation, or to vote on a position.”

Some expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be enlightened, to be able to share with one another their views in a civil way and being able to leave with a sense of hope.  Some expressed concern because they wanted to discuss a specific issue, they thought the questions were too vague, or they wanted to talk about their differences. Overall, though, people were thankful for the opportunity to engage in conversation.

EOC Delegation Offers Listening Sessions
The Commission on a Way Forward will present its final report at the April/May meeting of the Council of Bishops in Chicago. At that meeting, the bishops will decide what will be received and acted upon by the delegates to the Special Session of the General Conference called for February 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri.  The proposed legislation must be submitted to the petitions secretary by July 8 of this year so that there is time to translate it and get it to all delegates at least 90 days before the Special Session.

Delegates to the Special Session are elected by their respective annual conferences. The East Ohio delegation is offering clergy and laity an opportunity to engage the proposed legislation by participating in one of these five Listening Sessions:

  • Sept. 8 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |  Wildare UMC
  • Sept. 29 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Cambridge Christ UMC
  • Oct. 9 6:30 – 9:00 p.m | New Philadelphia First UMC
  • Oct. 20 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Ashland First UMC
  • Nov. 6 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate UMC

Special Sundays Peace with Justice Sunday is May 27 Peace with Justice Sunday supports programs that advocate for people at home and around the world.  The special offering during services on May 27 will enable The United Methodist Church to continue to address diverse issues such as immigration, economic empowerment, nutrition, peace, racial justice, the death penalty, and leadership development. On Peace with Justice Sunday, we give so that all of God’s children have adequate access to homes, jobs, food, clean water, health care, and more.  In doing so we honor the dignity of every individual made in God’s image. Download Peace with Justice Sunday resources. Discipleship Ministries Memorial Day Resources May 28 is Memorial Day, a national holiday on which we remember those who died serving in our country's armed forces. Although we oppose war and urge nations to find peaceful means of conflict resolution, The United Methodist Church “honors, supports, and upholds in our prayers those men and women who serve in our armed services and, in addition, honors and supports those United Methodist clergy who serve as chaplains.” (Resolution 5061, “Prayer and Support for Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans,” The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2016.) View and download Memorial Day resources from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries. “War is a one-way door.  You can’t go back through like it had never been.  It changes you,” the Rev. Dr. John Schluep said in an interview for the Fall 2009 issue of Joining Hands magazine. Schluep is the keynote speaker at the Warriors’ Journey Home Ministry, Honoring Memorial Day workshop Wednesday, May 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Cuyahoga Falls.  While the workshop is not sponsored by the East Ohio Conference, our clergy and laity may benefit from learning about the invisible wounds of war, and how to bring the community into the healing presence.

UMC’s 50 Year Anniversary

Heritage Sunday Celebrates UMC 50th Anniversary
Fifty years ago, on April 23, 1968 in Dallas, Texas, The United Methodist Church was officially formed with the unification of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical Brethren Church, and the dissolution of the Central Jurisdiction.

Joining together the 10.3 million members of the Methodist Church and the 750,000 members of the EUB Church created one of the largest Protestant denominations in the world.  Key moments over the past five decades laid the groundwork for ministries that remain vital and vibrant today.

Heritage Sunday on May 20 is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our denomination’s heritage, celebrate where the church has been, and understand how it shapes us today.

View and download United Methodist historical resources and Heritage Sunday resources.

Special Sundays

Peace with Justice Sunday is May 27
Peace with Justice Sunday supports programs that advocate for people at home and around the world.  The special offering during services on May 27 will enable The United Methodist Church to continue to address diverse issues such as immigration, economic empowerment, nutrition, peace, racial justice, the death penalty, and leadership development.

On Peace with Justice Sunday, we give so that all of God’s children have adequate access to homes, jobs, food, clean water, health care, and more.  In doing so we honor the dignity of every individual made in God’s image.

Download Peace with Justice Sunday resources.

Discipleship Ministries

Memorial Day Resources
May 28 is Memorial Day, a national holiday on which we remember those who died serving in our country’s armed forces.

Although we oppose war and urge nations to find peaceful means of conflict resolution, The United Methodist Church “honors, supports, and upholds in our prayers those men and women who serve in our armed services and, in addition, honors and supports those United Methodist clergy who serve as chaplains.” (Resolution 5061, “Prayer and Support for Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans,” The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2016.)

View and download Memorial Day resources from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries.

“War is a one-way door.  You can’t go back through like it had never been.  It changes you,” the Rev. Dr. John Schluep said in an interview for the Fall 2009 issue of Joining Hands magazine.

Schluep is the keynote speaker at the Warriors’ Journey Home Ministry, Honoring Memorial Day workshop Wednesday, May 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Cuyahoga Falls.  While the workshop is not sponsored by the East Ohio Conference, our clergy and laity may benefit from learning about the invisible wounds of war, and how to bring the community into the healing presence.

Annual Conference

Annual Conference Housing Available
Visit the Need Housing? page of the Annual Conference website to find available rooms and cottages for rent, like these:

  • First floor bedroom for one. Sharing a cottage with three others.  Sharing a bathroom/ shower with one woman. Comfortable home with screened in porch, plenty of space and three really nice Methodists. Rent for four nights is just a bit over $200. Address: 323 Jasmine. (Two blocks from Hoover, an easy walk.) Contact Nancy Gray 440-775-0963.
  • Room rentals for young adults ages 40 and under. View flyer.

If you would like to make a spare bedroom in your cottage available for someone in need of a room, or have other rooms or houses available, please send an e-mail with full description and contact information to sue@eocumc.com.

Camps and Retreat Ministries

Early Bird Registration Ends May 1
When you register for EOC Summer Camp by May 1, your camper will save $20 off his/her summer camp fee and they will receive a limited edition 2018 Summer Camp T-shirt that is not available in the camp store.  Register today.  If you have questions about camp, or you would like a summer camp brochure, email us at camp@eocumc.com, or call us at (800) 831-3972 ext..

Summer Camp Counselors, Support Staff, Lifeguards Needed
Wanake Camp & Retreat Center is looking for individuals Age 18+ for seasonal, residential, full-time work from May 29-August 4.  Applicants must love God, children and the out-of-doors.  Each position requires applicants to be dependable and flexible with a positive attitude and the ability to receive and act on feedback. Apply online. For more information, contact the camp via e-mail, info@campwanake.org, or phone (330) 756-2333.

Young People’s Ministries

Youth Annual Conference is June 8-10
Youth Annual Conference (YAC) is a teen leadership event that brings teens from across Ohio to Lakeside Chautauqua for a weekend of worship, fellowship, concerts, and training.  This year teens will have the opportunity to practice how to have difficult conversations with other Christians around hot topics.  Join the fun June 8-10. Register by May 23 for best pricing.

EXPLORE: Faith, Service and Calling
Rising high school juniors and seniors are invited to participate in EXPLORE: Faith, Service and Calling June 10-17 at Ohio Wesleyan University.  Held in partnership with the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the week-long Theology Institute for Protestant and Catholic youth will see students engaging in the classroom, serving in the community, and participating in worship and reflection.  Learn more and register.

Pastoral Care and Counseling

Bi-weekly Resources
In the April 30 issue we address: Change: we love it, we hate it, it happens!  We present the challenge of a way forward with the movie Jenny’s Wedding, understanding narcissism, capturing special moments in our lives through journaling, and navigating change in our lives.

  • A Way Forward: A Movie: Jenny’s Wedding
  • Narcissism: Truly, Madly, Deeply in Love with . . . Myself
  • Keeping a Soul Print Journal
  • The Art of Easing into Change
  • Spiritual Practice Groups and Listings of our Spiritual Directors

Contact Us
If you have any questions or issues you would like for us to address or if you would like to receive e-mail alerts when new resources have been posted, please contact Howard Humphress at hkhumphress@gmail.com or use our quick contact form.

Administrative Services

Disaster & Weather Preparedness ebook Offered
United Methodist Insurance knows that disasters can’t be prevented, but we can prepare for them.  The non-profit, captive insurance company started by the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has created a comprehensive, robust handbook called Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather for Churches.

Section One covers broad topics such as 10 Ways to Get Ready for a Disaster and Tips for Reporting Claims.  Section Two covers specific disasters that may apply to your church, such as tornadoes, wind, hail, and more.  Order your free book today.

Clergy

Clinical Pastoral Education Program Offered
OhioHealth is seeking applicants for the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program it offers through OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital and Marion General Hospital.  Learn more and register.

Missions

UMCOR Awards $46 Million in Grants
The Board of Directors of United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) approved an unprecedented amount in the form of grants during its annual spring meeting.  More than $46 million was awarded in support of disaster relief and recovery, global health projects and sustainable development, all made possible by your gifts!

United Methodist missionaries work in more than 60 countries around the world, come from many places and backgrounds, and witness and serve in dramatically different locales and cultures. Explore their work, and consider how you can support their efforts today.

Credit Union

Recreational Vehicle Loans
The United Methodist Financial Credit Union offers loans on different types of recreational vehicles that make summer fun! Campers, motorcycles, and boats are some of the different types of loans the credit union offers. For more information, please contact one of our loans officers: Christine Fairhurst in North Canton (800) 831-3972 ext. 104, Christine Smith in Cincinnati (800) 373-1059 ext. 12, or Jason Fishburn in Indianapolis (317) 296-7177.

Certificate of Deposit Rates
April showers bring … new CD Rates! Right now, members may get a rate as high as 1.51% APY for a 12-month certificate of deposit!  There are a variety of rates and terms available. Contact one of our offices today to lock in your rate.

Media Center

The Media Center recently acquired the following resources:

To reserve these or other resources, call the Media Center at (800) 831-3972 x 139 or send an e-mail to sarnold@eocumc.com. Browse the resource catalog at www.rqmweb.com/eocumc

Message in the Movies

Message in the Movies banner (colorful film strip

Come Sunday Come Sunday’s fact-based story is worth your time and attention, regardless of your theological position, because it reminds us (as Dietrich Bonhoeffer noted many years ago) that real grace is not cheap, but costly. When your faith expands your circle of caring to the place where it offends religious people, you are likely moving in the right direction. Read entire review.

Events: April 30- May 14

Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.

To submit your event to the East Ohio calendar use this form.
(The East Ohio Conference only accepts East Ohio United Methodist local church, conference and general UM events for listing on the conference calendar.)

Classifieds

Positions Available
Details of listings may be found here. 

  • Part-time Secretary, Harpersfield UMC
  • Connection/Family Ministry Coordinator, New Beginnings UMC
  • Pianist, Winfield UMC
  • Part-time Director of Contemporary Worship, Church of the Lakes
  • Accompanist,  Willoughby UMC
  • Parish Nurse, Ridgewood UMC
  • Part-time Pianist, Sharon Center UMC

To submit a classified ad please email sue@eocumc.com

Obituaries

Please pray for the family of  Donald W. Fairchild, retired local pastor, who died April 20, 2018.

Obituary notices may be found here.

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The next scheduled edition of the E-News is May 14, 2018.  Deadline for submission is May 9.